An Analysis of the Effects of a Remote Intervention on Exercise in Adults

Abstract

Physical activity is important for overall health. Behavioral strategies such as goal setting, feedback, and reinforcement have been used to increase levels of physical activity to health benefitting levels. The present study extended the literature by evaluating the effects of a remote multicomponent intervention (individualized activity plans, goal setting, feedback) on exercise behavior in three adults using a multiple baseline design with an embedded changing criterion design across participants. The study used the technology of wearable exercise trackers and biweekly (twice per week) mentorship meetings where goals were set and feedback was given verbally and in graphic form to increase physical exercise to a health-benefiting level recommended by various health organizations. Across participants minutes of activity increased over baseline. The study showed that the participants increased their weekly time spent exercising according to the set goals. These results suggest the efficacy of the remote multicomponent intervention to increase time spent exercising weekly.